Today was an enlightening one. As part of my education, Joanne took me with her while she ran some errands at a couple of the other branches of DPL. Outings with her are enjoyable; I get the impression that she knows all there is to know about the history of Durham, down to every last building. It's also an opportunity to pick her brain about whatever library-related questions I might have. More on that later.
The first branch we stopped by was the Stanford L. Warren branch, which is a compact, handsome building not too far away from the main library. Joanne explained that this branch used to be the historical black library of Durham, and that heritage is very evident. Photos from when the library was still segregated line the walls and plaques and portraits near the entrance pay homage to the gentlemen that founded and supported the branch. It's a tiny library--there are only fifteen or so parking spaces--but there's a great sense of pride in the building.
From there, we went to the Southwest branch, about which Joanne was quite enthusiastic. It's easy to see why. While not quite as classically handsome as the Warren branch, this library is obviously an essential part of the community, rivaling even the impressive main branch in terms of circulation. Southwest has a large circulation, a bright, airy children's room, ample office space, and little niceties such as a community garden outdoors and little book recommendation cards of the sort that you might find in a bookstore. (If you like so-and-so, then we recommend checking out so-and-so.) These touches make the library a more welcoming place, and I received the impression that Joanne hopes that the main library will include some of these features when the building is renovated in a few years' time. It's interesting to see the very different cultures and atmosphere present at branches which are only a few miles from one another.
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